Advancing Vascular Surgery: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning In Managing Carotid Stenosis.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases affect 17.7 million people annually, worldwide. Carotid degenerative disease, commonly described as atherosclerotic plaque accumulation, significantly contributes to this, posing a risk for cerebrovascular events and ischemic strokes.

Predictive Factors Driving Positive Awake Test in Carotid Endarterectomy Using Machine Learning.

Background: Positive neurologic awake testing during the carotid cross-clamping may be present in around 8% of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The present work aimed to assess the accuracy of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered risk calculator in predicting intraoperative neurologic deficits (INDs).

Methods: Data was collected from carotid interventions performed between January 2012 and January 2023 under regional anesthesia.

Preoperative Radiographic Predictors of Subsequent Fusion After Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine which demographic, surgical, and radiographic preoperative characteristics are most associated with the need for subsequent fusion after decompression lumbar spinal surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: There is a relatively high rate of the need for repeat decompression or fusion after an index decompression procedure for degenerative spine disease.

Construct length analysis of type B and C cervical and thoracolumbar fractures.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify if construct length affects the rate of surgical complications and instrumentation revision following surgical fixation of subaxial and thoracolumbar Type B and C fractures. This study evaluates the effect of ankylosing spondylitis/diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (AS/DISH) within this population on outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of 91 cervical and 89 thoracolumbar Type B and C fractures.

Circulating microRNAs May Be Predictive of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

Study Design: Basic Science.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify a unique serum profile of circulating miRNAs and inflammatory markers in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) compared with healthy controls (HC).

Summary Of Background Data: Currently, DCM is diagnosed with a combination of history, physical examination, and close correlation to advanced imaging.

Predictors of systolic function recovery after atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients.

Introduction And Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. AF catheter ablation improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but its impact varies between patients. We aimed to identify predictors of LVEF improvement in HF patients with impaired LVEF undergoing AF ablation.

Can Pre-Ablation Biomarkers Be Used to Predict Arrhythmia Recurrence after Ablation Index-Guided Atrial Fibrillation Ablation?

Background: Ablation Index (AI) software has allowed better atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation results, but recurrence rates remain significant. Specific serum biomarkers have been associated with this recurrence.

Objectives: To evaluate whether certain biomarkers could be used (either individually or combined) to predict arrhythmia recurrence after AI-guided AF ablation.

The impact of robotic assistance for lumbar fusion surgery on 90-day surgical outcomes and 1-year revisions.

Objectives: To evaluate the (1) 90-day surgical outcomes and (2) 1-year revision rate of robotic versus nonrobotic lumbar fusion surgery.

Methods: Patients >18 years of age who underwent primary lumbar fusion surgery at our institution were identified and propensity-matched in a 1:1 fashion based on robotic assistance during surgery. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and surgical outcomes, including 90-day surgical complications and 1-year revisions, were collected.

PA and NP burnout in orthopedic surgery.

Objective: To quantify the burnout rate among physician associates/assistants (PAs) and NPs in a large orthopedic surgery practice affiliated with an academic institution.

Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and original research questions were given to all PAs and NPs in orthopedics at the facility. Burnout was defined as a high level of emotional exhaustion or depersonalization on the MBI subscale.

The Inhibitory Effect of NSAIDs and Opioids on Spinal Fusion: An Animal Model.

Study Design: Translational research.

Objective: To evaluate the relative effects of NSAIDs, opioids, and a combination of the two on spinal fusion inhibition in a rodent model.

Summary Of Background Data: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are common postoperative analgesic agents.

"Real-world" analysis of battery longevity of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: an in-depth analysis of a prospective defibrillator database.

Background: There is a lack of evidence regarding contemporary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) battery longevity. Our aim was to assess battery longevity in ICDs in a real-world setting.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional single center study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients who underwent ICD implantation from January 2010 to December 2015.

Correction of Spinal Sagittal Alignment after Posterior Lumbar Decompression: Does Severity of Central Canal Stenosis Matter?

Study Design: This study adopted a retrospective study design.

Purpose: Our study aimed to investigate the impact of central canal stenosis severity on surgical outcomes and lumbar sagittal correction after lumbar decompression.

Overview Of Literature: Studies have evaluated sagittal correction in patients with central canal stenosis after lumbar decompression and the association of stenosis severity with worse preoperative sagittal alignment.

Prevalence and risk factors for acquired long QT syndrome in the emergency department: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heterogeneous syndrome that may be congenital or, more frequently, acquired. The real-world prevalence of acquired LQTS (aLQTS) in the emergency department (ED) remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of aLQTS and its impact on symptoms on ED admissions.

Role of monocytes and dendritic cells in cardiac reverse remodelling after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background And Aims: Monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) are both key inflammatory cells, with recognized effects on cardiac repair. However, there are distinct subsets of monocytes with potential for beneficial or detrimental effects on heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. The connection between reverse cardiac remodelling, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and monocytes and DC homeostasis in HF is far from being understood.

Perceptions of cardiology, professional preferences and impact on career choices among Portuguese cardiologists: Results from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology's Women and Cardiology Task Force survey.

Introduction And Objectives: Cardiology has not been seen as an attractive specialty, and women have avoided it for many years. Some surveys have been performed in other countries, but in Portugal, the situation is largely unknown.

Methods: An online survey on perceptions of cardiology and professional preferences was sent to 1371 members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, of whom 18.

Does physical therapy impact clinical outcomes after lumbar decompression surgery?

Objectives: The objectives of our study were to (1) determine if physical therapy (PT) impacts patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after lumbar decompression surgery and (2) determine if PT impacts postsurgical readmissions or reoperations after lumbar decompression surgery.

Methods: Patients 18 years of age who underwent primary one- or two-level lumbar decompression at our institution were identified. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, surgical outcomes (all-cause 90 days readmissions and 90 days surgical readmissions), and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were compared between the groups.

Mid-term outcomes after catheter ablation in patients with congenital heart disease.

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are a major concern in patients with CHD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes in patients with CHD submitted to catheter ablation.

Materials And Methods: Observational retrospective study of patients with CHD referred for catheter ablation from January 2016 to December 2021 in a tertiary referral centre.

Cellular Bone Matrix in Spine Surgery - Are They Worth the Risk: A Systematic Review.

Study Design: Systematic Review.

Objective: To review the literature for complications and outcomes after the implantation of cellular bone matrix (CBM) during spine fusion.

Methods: The PubMed database was queried from inception to January 31, 2023 for any articles that discussed the role of and identified a specific CBM in spinal fusion procedures.

Radiographic and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Anteriorly Placed Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Versus Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Posterior Instrumentation.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To compare outcomes in anteriorly placed transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIFs) and anterior lumbar interbody fusions (ALIFs).

Summary Of Background Data: TLIF and ALIF are surgical techniques that have become more prevalent in recent years.

The Impact of Physical Therapy After Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort.

Objective: To determine if outcomes varied between patients based on physical therapy (PT) attendance after lumbar fusion surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: The literature has been mixed regarding the efficacy of postoperative PT to improve disability and back pain, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures.

Assessment of a Private Payer Bundled Payment Model for Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

Introduction: Although bundled payment models are well-established in Medicare-aged individuals, private insurers are now developing bundled payment plans. The role of these plans in spine surgery has not been evaluated. Our objective was to analyze the performance of a private insurance bundled payment program for lumbar decompression and microdiskectomy.

The impact of demineralized bone matrix characteristics on pseudarthrosis and surgical outcomes after posterolateral lumbar decompression and fusion.

Objectives: The objectives of our study were to compare the fusion rates and surgical outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery based on the (1) type of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) carrier allograft, (2) the presence/absence of a carrier, and (3) the presence of bone fibers in DBM.

Methods: Patients >18 years of age who underwent single-level posterolateral decompression and fusion (PLDF) between L3 and L5 between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. We assessed bone grafts based on carrier type (no carrier, sodium hyaluronate carrier, and glycerol carrier) and the presence of bone fibers.

Drug combinations identified by high-throughput screening promote cell cycle transition and upregulate Smad pathways in myeloma.

Drug resistance and disease progression are common in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, underscoring the need for new therapeutic combinations. A high-throughput drug screen in 47 MM cell lines and in silico Huber robust regression analysis of drug responses revealed 43 potentially synergistic combinations. We hypothesized that effective combinations would reduce MYC expression and enhance p16 activity.